Tuesday, March 21, 2006
M5 in search of the M2 - 19 March 2006
A German Hiker.
John shows us a ballet step.
John and Val enjoy the sunshine.
Dave sporting his new helmet.
Ian searches for his padlock.
Who have we lost this time? Fifth Ride; Sunday 19th March
Routemaster; Dave Shuttleworth
Cyclists; Doug Freeman, Ian Hartland, Steve Darby, Dave Shuttleworth, Peter McDonald, John Hancock, Val Evans
Statistics; 21.50 miles, average speed 11.60 mph, maximum Ian speed 32.0 mph
We met at Harbury Village Hall for a 11:00am start, and the forecast was for cloud but no rain. We were very pleased to welcome two virgin M7'ers, John and Val, both suitably attired for the weather. John started munching toast and marmalade, a German hiker decided to wish us well, and poor Val was just left wondering what she had let herself in for. The wind (7 to 9 mph) was from the North East, so we headed approximately in that direction.
We left Harbury on the B4451, through Deppers Bridge, and on to Southam. The M7 pack had got somewhat stretched by the time we got to the first roundabout just outside Southam, and the leading M5 formed a regroup just out of sight from the back M2. The M2 weaved their way through the streets of Southam, and were surprised to find themselves on their own at the tunnel under the bypass. The M5 back tracked, flagged down unsuspecting cyclists enquiring about the whereabouts of the M2, and even phoned a support vehicle to search for them. The M2 concluded that the M5 were either behind or in front of them, so they merrily set off along the Welsh Road East in the direction of Priors Marston.
The route crossed the Oxford Channel at Marston Doles, turned right up the hill, passing some cute lambs, and on towards Priors Hardwick turning right into the village. The M2 almost stopped at the Butchers Arms for a cappuccino, but decided that they were probably overdressed. They then headed south, being sheltered from the wind by the escarpment, and were finally caught by the chasing M5 pack just near Stoneton Manor. Pleasantries were exchanged between the M5 and M2, excuses made, penalties awarded, and the M7 reunited headed on South and then East through Womleighton. The route crossed the Oxford Cannel again, over the A423(T) near Fenny Compton Wharf, and on to the Merrie Lion Corner House at Fenny Compton for tea, coffee and toasted tea cakes.
The M2 leader, suitably ashamed, bought coffee and tea for the team. The conversation soon switched to numerous subjects including; cats, dog licenses, VAT, size of swimmers shoulders, rugby, Welsh choirs, Madrid, Grandma again Celia, and Steve's need to be back by 2pm. The catering was a vast improvement over the previous ride, the lesson being just turn up and don't try and pre-order food. Lynne, the driver of the support vehicle, had joined us for refreshments, and this further added to the embarrassment of the M2 leader. Dave was deservedly awarded the highest M7 accolade "Compassionate and Caring Routemaster".
We departed the Merrie Lion in fine sunshine, and said goodbye to Steve who was on a hopeless mission to make it back by 2pm for his lunch. The home route took us along North End Road, through Knighcote and into Bishops Itchington. Dave said his farewell and headed north along the B4451 to Deppers Bridge. The rest of the team returned to Harbury via Plough Lane.
An excellent ride, good company and delicious coffee, tea and toasted tea cakes.
Cheers, Doug (M2 Leader).
Statistics; 21.50 miles, average speed 11.60 mph, maximum Ian speed 32.0 mph
We met at Harbury Village Hall for a 11:00am start, and the forecast was for cloud but no rain. We were very pleased to welcome two virgin M7'ers, John and Val, both suitably attired for the weather. John started munching toast and marmalade, a German hiker decided to wish us well, and poor Val was just left wondering what she had let herself in for. The wind (7 to 9 mph) was from the North East, so we headed approximately in that direction.
We left Harbury on the B4451, through Deppers Bridge, and on to Southam. The M7 pack had got somewhat stretched by the time we got to the first roundabout just outside Southam, and the leading M5 formed a regroup just out of sight from the back M2. The M2 weaved their way through the streets of Southam, and were surprised to find themselves on their own at the tunnel under the bypass. The M5 back tracked, flagged down unsuspecting cyclists enquiring about the whereabouts of the M2, and even phoned a support vehicle to search for them. The M2 concluded that the M5 were either behind or in front of them, so they merrily set off along the Welsh Road East in the direction of Priors Marston.
The route crossed the Oxford Channel at Marston Doles, turned right up the hill, passing some cute lambs, and on towards Priors Hardwick turning right into the village. The M2 almost stopped at the Butchers Arms for a cappuccino, but decided that they were probably overdressed. They then headed south, being sheltered from the wind by the escarpment, and were finally caught by the chasing M5 pack just near Stoneton Manor. Pleasantries were exchanged between the M5 and M2, excuses made, penalties awarded, and the M7 reunited headed on South and then East through Womleighton. The route crossed the Oxford Cannel again, over the A423(T) near Fenny Compton Wharf, and on to the Merrie Lion Corner House at Fenny Compton for tea, coffee and toasted tea cakes.
The M2 leader, suitably ashamed, bought coffee and tea for the team. The conversation soon switched to numerous subjects including; cats, dog licenses, VAT, size of swimmers shoulders, rugby, Welsh choirs, Madrid, Grandma again Celia, and Steve's need to be back by 2pm. The catering was a vast improvement over the previous ride, the lesson being just turn up and don't try and pre-order food. Lynne, the driver of the support vehicle, had joined us for refreshments, and this further added to the embarrassment of the M2 leader. Dave was deservedly awarded the highest M7 accolade "Compassionate and Caring Routemaster".
We departed the Merrie Lion in fine sunshine, and said goodbye to Steve who was on a hopeless mission to make it back by 2pm for his lunch. The home route took us along North End Road, through Knighcote and into Bishops Itchington. Dave said his farewell and headed north along the B4451 to Deppers Bridge. The rest of the team returned to Harbury via Plough Lane.
An excellent ride, good company and delicious coffee, tea and toasted tea cakes.
Cheers, Doug (M2 Leader).
# posted by M7 Cycling Club @ 4:46 pm 
